Warwick given the green light to host a crowd on Monday

Warwick racecourse has confirmed that it will host a pilot event with a crowd on Monday, though with a reduced number of people. 

Both Goodwood and Doncaster have had proposed trials cancelled at the eleventh hour, and Warwick reduced its proposed number of spectators for their test event from 1000 to 800 in attendance in light of the cancellation of the St Leger test events last Wednesday. 

This has been revised down to 474 people, and as a result no tickets will be available to the general public; with the spaces being filled by annual members, hospitality and owners.

A statement on Warwick races’ website read: “Following discussions with local authorities and representatives, Warwick Racecourse will welcome up to 474 spectators at its Monday, September 21 racing fixture as part of a limited capacity trial, with stringent health and safety measures in place for its first meeting since March.

“The restricted capacity will be filled by 150 annual members, 124 hospitality bookers and up to 200 racehorse owners, in addition to participants and raceday staff.

“Tickets will not go on general sale given the limits involved.”

The news follows a joint statement from several sporting bodies, including the British Horseracing Authority and the FA, after discussions with the Secretary of State about the safe return of crowds to sporting events, which read;

“We conveyed to the Secretary of State the very serious financial situation now facing our sports, clubs and venues and that we believe we can stage events safely.

“It is clear that if fans cannot return soon that there will be very serious economic implications across our sporting sector.

“Our sports have already demonstrated through staging fixtures behind closed doors, in test events and through the return of recreational sport that we can deliver the very highest standards in safety and best practice.

“We will continue to engage with the Government in the days ahead and provide any further evidence required.”

Meanwhile, Newmarket will stage test events on all three days of its Cambridgeshire Handicap meeting (24th-26th September), with a crowd of 1000 due to be in attendance on each day.